Statement released by NZ Police
A statement from Dan Wilkinson, son of Murray Wilkinson who was stabbed to death at Waihi Beach early on New Year’s Day.

At Waihi Beach in the early hours of New Year’s Day, a person unknown to us took our father, husband, grandfather, brother and worst of all, our mate. It is impossible to express the complete devastation our family is now going through. While we appreciate that most of you will sympathise or feel empathy for us, what we need most is to find the person or persons responsible for my Father’s murder.

We are desperate to understand who took my Dad from us and why? If you know anything, anything at all, even if you have photographs that show the crowds and what was happening in and around the area that night, please let the police know …….Somebody has the answer to my Dad’s death.

My children and my sister’s children have been robbed of their grandfather’s love and Lu has lost the love of her life, due to senseless, brutal violence.

My Dad was a selfless, honest and humble man who would be horrified at the attention he is receiving. We owe it to my Dad to stop this happening to another family, so no one else has to have their life ruined like us.

News from NZ Police
As the investigation into how a man visiting from Australia suffered fatal wounds at Waihi Beach on New Year’s Day continues, Police are asking persons with information to do the right thing, if not for their own sake then for the grieving family.

District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Chris Page, said officers working on the case from across the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Counties Manukau Police Districts have been joined by Auckland based members of the Specialist Search Group.

“There are about 37 staff working on Operation Brad, the homicide investigation into the death of 64-year-old Murray Wilkinson. Today we’ve expanded our search area in the hunt for the weapon used in the attack which happened early on Tuesday morning.

“Ground and rooftop searches are underway and we will continue to go door to door as the search continues. In accordance with that, anyone who finds something unusual on their property be it clothing, a potential weapon or anything else, leave it where it is and contact Police.”

Mr Page said that while these searches were underway a post mortem has been completed however further forensic examinations are still to be undertaken.

“For that reason no commentary will be made, if at all, until those examinations are completed.

“The Operation Brad team reiterate the family’s appeal for information. Murray was enjoying a family holiday before he was snatched away by a brutal and senseless act. To the people out there who know who was involved, and to anyone involved, this family deserve to be able to grieve, just as you would if this was one of your family. What will you do that will make you a better person?

The Operation BRAD team can be contacted at the Waihi and Waihi Beach Police Stations, by ringing 07 8586200, via email at Thames@police.govt.nz or alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.